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Jiang Zhongyuan: Stitching my way to the Olympics

My name is Jiang Zhongyuan, I'm 55-years-old.

Sure I'm only a simple, retired woman, but I have a dream: I want to do something for the Olympic Games. My dream has finally been accomplished; after 5 years of hard work, my 271.5 square meter banner welcoming the Olympics is finally finished.

On July 13, 2001, when Beijing's successful bid to host the Olympics was announced, I was extremely excited. That night, I could not sleep. As I tossed and turned in bed, I came to a conclusion: I must do something to welcome the Olympics in my own way. I had learned a method of stitching and embroidery from my grandmother, in which through the years, I had created blanket covers, bed sheets, etc. Wasting no time, I jumped out of bed and began sketching the picture I wanted to create.

Just when I was beginning my work, my mother was diagnosed with a blood clot in her brain; doctors said that she would need help for the rest of her life. The first thing I did every morning when I got up was to get my mother her medication and make sure she was comfortable. After feeding her breakfast and doing some household chores, I immediately continued to work on my art. Because of the immense size, and the intricacy of the embroidery I had planned, and the little bit of time I had during the day to work on it, I was afraid that I would not be able to complete it in time. After everyone had gone to bed, I would work on it some more. Working until 4 or 5 in the morning was a commonplace thing.

I didn't create this banner only to welcome the Olympics. I hope to go to Beijing, to display this banner so that everyone in the world can better understand China.